Let’s say this straight up: wedding planning isn’t always fun. At times, it can feel like a nightmare. But when you’re lying awake stressing about RSVPs, remember that you’re not in this alone. Engaged asked wedding planners Erica Trombetti, of Infinite Events, and Jessica Gemma, of Perfectly Planned Events, about common wedding worries, why they happen and how to deal.
Problem No. 1: Your fiance doesn’t enjoy planning.
Grooms often lose track of the planning process when brides are busy getting buried in the details. The more this goes on, the harder it is for him to voice his ideas.
OVERREACTING? No. His feelings about the planning process should matter, too.
WHAT TO DO? What’s he excited about? Does he love music? Put him in charge of finding a local DJ, and then do a date night where the two of you scope out some shows. Is he a beverage enthusiast? Ask him to pick a microbrew, and take a break from planning to visit some local wineries.
Problem No. 2: You’re badly over budget.
Many brides go over budget at some point, even when items have been over-priced beforehand to compensate. Your wedding planner will already have purchased the essentials, so money concerns shouldn’t ruin your big day.
OVERREACTING? Not necessarily, but rein in your spending.
WHAT TO DO? Consider going DIY on decorations or favors. It’s also smart to split your guest list into an A-list and a B-list, and pick from the B-list based on how many you can afford. Ask your venue if it can stream music from an iPod during cocktail hour to minimize DJ costs.
Problem No. 3: PANIC! The wedding’s tomorrow and it’s going to rain.
No matter how much you’ve planned, some details are just out of your control. It’s important to breathe and understand that snags happen. Despite the weather, your day will still turn out beautifully.
OVERREACTING? Yes. Most guests don’t have a clue when things aren’t going as planned.
WHAT TO DO? You came to get married, and that’s still going to happen. Are you dead set on the outdoor venue? Arrange for your guests to bring umbrellas, and prepare an extra pair of shoes. Or get married in the back-up indoor venue and take photos outside whenever the rain slows. Again, a little weather can’t spoil your big day.
Problem No. 4: You’re anticipating family drama at the wedding.
Divorced parents, envious siblings, an overbearing in-law: Weddings bring the whole family together, and naturally, tensions can run high. Who’s to say your troublesome relatives won’t use the wedding reception as a chance to bicker?
OVERREACTING? Yes. As much as family matters, this wedding day is for the two of you.
WHAT TO DO? If there’s a dispute about the pre-wedding arrangements, get on the same page as your fiance first so you can mediate ripples as a couple. If dinner seating or the
reception makes you nervous, speak to your wedding planner. They’re trained to deal discreetly with family issues, and to take the fall for you if a relative
has a complaint.
Problem No. 5: You find yourself micromanaging every little detail.
It’s normal to start obsessing over details as the wedding day approaches. As the bride, your number one priority is to make sure it’s all perfect, right?
OVERREACTING? Maybe. Details do matter, but if worrying about them starts to affect your emotional well-being, it’s not worth it.
WHAT TO DO? Checklists and to-do lists can help cover everything, but they can get out of hand. Try scheduling your to-do items into limited time slots every day. You’re allowed to
deliberate over napkin color schemes for say, fifteen minutes, but when the time’s up you’ve got to make a decision and put it away.
Problem No. 6: You just don’t enjoy wedding planning.
You’re not alone! Plenty of brides get a headache at the mere thought of planning a wedding (did someone say “elope?”). Bringing all those ideas to life isn’t easy, and some brides just want to get the whole thing over with.
OVERREACTING? Yes. Don’t stress if you’re one of these brides. Everyone approaches the process differently.
WHAT TO DO? Hire a wedding planner — period. Wedding planners help ease your anxieties and frustrations so you can relax. It’s a huge comfort to know that you have a professional
behind the scenes keeping track of every detail and ensuring your wedding day goes off without a hitch.